Judy says:

Thank you, thank you for all your wonderful notes. I only wish I could respond to each of you personally.
But in order to start a new book I need serious thinking time, which means less time for e-mail. Hope you understand.
Just want you to know that my assistant and I read this guestbook every day, and that your continued love and support are a constant inspiration.

Marilyn

Ms. Blume:

OMGosh . .

I was watching TV and saw your name and the title of one of your books "Are you there God, it's me Margaret" and I almost started to cry! I remember this book when I was in elementary school and I read it over and over, just because it was so good. I now have twin girls that I will introduce your books to and I'm so excited to be able to do that. Thank you for inspiring me as a young girl with your writings and may God continue to bless you.

Hometown: arden - Posted September 6, 2012 10:19 am

tessa

Jill

Hello Judy,

I know that your books helped to give lots of people just like me strength and support whilst we were beginning to grow up (I'm still doing a lot of growing up at the age of 36) and I wanted to send a little positivity your way right now at a time when you might need some kindness instead of us. I hope that you feel much better very soon Judy and thanks for being a fab and inspirational part of my childhood. I look forward to hearing good things in your next blog update.

Laura

So sorry to hear about your cancer but I have faith that you will come through. My prayers are with you,=. As well, a long overdue and heart felt thank you for Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret. My grade 4 teacher read it to the girls in the classes and i will never forget the impact it had on me. "I must, I must increase my bust" exercise although not needed for me personally showed me that although i was embarrassed about my advanced development, the others secretly wanted to have what I had. Words can't truly express what that book meant to me and now that I have two girls (grades 5 & 3), we will be sharing that book together. There are three books i remember from my youth for various reasons and yours is there with "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Snow" by Dr. Suess. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Libby (Miller) Lulinski

Hello Judy,Hope this note finds you feeling good and in good spirits. I'm so happy you were comfortable to go public. It's very helpful to others. My younger sister had BC surgery last week and is on the mend. It too was a shock for all of us as there is no history of BC and she does all the right things, as well. Hope your family is well. Warmest wishes for a healthful and sweet new year. I'll be leaving for three weeks on Oct 3. to visit two grandkids in Israel as well as attending the Hadassah 100th anniversary convention. Be well. Libby

Pauline

I'm a retired teacher and you were my favorite author. Still hear from students I taught over 30 years ago saying how my expression reading Judy Blume books inspired them to become teachers. Just heard on news that you've been battling breast cancer. I wish you the best and cross my fingers for a speedy recovery!

Carole

Judy, Thank you so much for your blog about breast cancer. It could have been my own story, as I have a similar one. My summer plans were also interrupted by a surprise diagnosis of breast cancer, followed by the decision to have a single mastectomy and tram flap reconstruction. I am now 7 weeks away from the surgery and still in the process of healing, going for P.T. therapy on my arm due to lymph node removal. This is quite a journey, but like you, my cancer was found in early stages so I am looking forward to healing and moving on with life. I wish you all the best on your own journey and look forward to many more of your wonderful books!!

Hometown: Rochester MA - Posted September 6, 2012 9:01 am

Rachel

Dear Mrs. Blume,

I just wanted you to know that your in my thoughts and prayers.

When I was growing up, I have to admit that I "hated" to read. I would rather be outside playing with friends than sitting in a corner and read a book. To me that was just boring. Until one day a friend told me about a book she was reading. She wanted to read instead of playing. I asked her who wrote it and she said Judy Blume. I had heard that name before from other friends. Well, I thought to myself if everyone is reading books by Judy, maybe, just maybe, I should take some time to check it out. Well, my first book was Tale of a Fourth Grade Nothing. I got hooked on reading and now I consider myself an avid reader.

I thank you for being the person who "got me hooked" on reading. I have now introduced your books to my own children.

Jennifer

Just learned of your illness and wishing you a speedy and complete recovery. My children are not yet old enough to introduce to your books which I so loved as a child and young adult, but I look forward to the day I can discuss your writings with my own daughters. I remember your writing, like I remember watching Fred Rogers, both extremely influential to my emotional development as a child, to my understanding of the world beyond myself and my upbringing. Also, a great refuge from the realities of childhood crueties and bullying, a way for pre-adolescents to understand and discuss these difficult issues with each other.

Hometown: Long Island - Posted September 6, 2012 8:48 am

Kpr

Dear Mrs. Blume, I wish you a speedy recovery. I was upset to hear that you are ill - you were my favourite writer throughout my junior and high school education. My copy of "Are you there God? It's Me, Margaret" was battered and torn from having read it so many times - it even travelled with me. There were times when I felt that my only "friends" were the characters in your books. Thank you for writing so well that you kept a loner of a teenage girl company with your books. Wishing you and your family the very best, Kpr

Giselle

JoEll

My journey very similar to yours but I choose not to have reconstruction. Haven't reggreted that. It' been 16 months since my mastectomy. Surgery was not an invasion of my body, it was a intervention! This scar saved my life and I won't be sad about it. Be strong and thank-you for writting, keep at it.

Corina

Thank you so much for your amazing blog post. I wish you everything you need for the journey you are taking. Even though I usually don't post on people's blogs or websites, I felt compelled to post because you made such a huge impact on my life. I was such a shy child growing up that books were my lifeline. Your books were the ones I kept on my bookshelf even as I was growing up. It was wonderful to be able to pass them on to my own daughter. Thanks so much.

Jody

I just saw online you are battling breast cancer. This filled me with sadness for you and I wish you the best and a speedy recovery. I have been a huge fan of yours since I was 10? I have read all of your books... multiple times! I even re-read Deanie last year... It was still a great read 30 plus years later. Your stories are timeless! And, helpful... as an adolescent, it's nice to 'know' that others feel the same as you and are going thru similar trials. I love your adult books too, of course. I just wish there were more of them I don't have a favorite book of yours, but you are definitely my favorite author!

Cara

Thank you for sharing your breast cancer story It is so important women know you don't have to have any risk factors to get cancer! I'd love to send you a copy of my book - its designed to empower women through their diagnosis. Perhaps you could share it with your treatment center. You can view it at Workingoutcancer.com Most importantly be well!

Mathilde

Dear Mrs. Blume, I was sad to hear about your health ordeal, yet very glad to hear of your recovery. Wishing you all the best in the future, from a fan in Greece who got motivation and support from 'Deenie' for scoliosis many years ago.

Brian Borowski

Dear Judy,

I wrote to you on this site when I was 17 and was thrilled to hear back from you. I just re-read your response to me now (of course I have it saved!) I was just bragging not too long ago that I got an email from you when your name came up in conversation, HaHa! I am 30 now and am very saddened to hear of your recent diagnosis with breast cancer. I myself was diagnosed May 2011 with pancreatic cancer, underwent surgery and have been receiving chemotherapy since. "$#!T Happens" is right! I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing", "Superfudge", and "Fudge-A-Mania" will always be the most memorable books of my childhood. I never laughed harder at any other books than those three and re-read them each over the years (unfortunately I lost them when our house flooded or I'd still have them). I plan to buy them again soon to re-read and "Double Fudge" which I'm just finding out about now, cool! You're a wonderful person who has brought so much joy & laughter into the hearts of countless children & adults. Again, my thoughts will be with you daily. A close friend of my mother's who was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago who underwent the same surgery (+ treatments) is now doing great and cancer free. I'm sure you will be too!

Christy

Judy, I recently learned of one of our amazing leaders with Mary Kay has been living with Breast Cancerband she has amazing powerful support for you. Renatarbet.com I pray this information will be so supportive for you! Prayer: Lord, I pray for healing and abundant blessings for Judy! Grant her peace, comfort, and warmth that only you can do! Father, you're a God of Miracles! Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! Amen.

Jami

Dear Judy, YOU got me to LOVE Books at a young age when I wouldn't read anything! Reading your books helped me write from my heart & my feelings w/out fear. I'm 44 & a 2 YEAR Breast Cancer SURVIVOR!! WELCOME TO THE SURVIVOR CLUB! YOU are a SURVIVOR too!! I will be praying for you and sending YOU Healing, Love & Support during your journey. I also wanted to share my caring bridge blog that I wrote about ALL my treatments, & what helped me get through traditional & alternative treatments. www.caringbridge.org/visit/jamiwilliams YOU are NOT alone in this & KNOW we are ALL supporting you! Thank YOU so MUCH for the many gifts you've given me through your writting! Love & Healing to YOU!!!

David

Ms. Blume (and anyone else who is a fan of yours who may read this), I am sorry to hear of your medical struggles, but I am glad you’re doing well and it seems to present an opportunity for me to share something I otherwise wouldn’t. About a year ago I happened to find myself in Target with a few minutes to kill and I was near the book section and saw one of your books. I flipped somewhere to the middle and read about 20 pages or so until I needed to leave. I will admit I don’t recall the title nor did I read enough to get a good sense of the overall plot, but the part I read dealt with a teenager’s anxiety in navigating her way to a clinic to get some birth control pills, seemingly questioning her decision all the while. I was struck by how effortless this scene played out on the pages of this book. It was an emotional and sensitive topic on several levels with a scramble going on beneath her feet and in her head at the same time. The highly charged nature of her thoughts and decision-making was breathtaking almost to the point of frightening. But impressively, the treatment of it all was about as matter-of-fact as one can imagine, portraying both sides of a delicate issue with extreme candor, each with its warts, and so non-judgmental toward the character it almost defied belief. And it was damn entertaining besides! Three decades ago my sister and her friends read all your books. I certainly heard of you, and I was aware that your books were popular and that you enjoyed success for a long period of time. But it was not until that day last year, as a 40something man, standing in the middle of a Target holding a book written in an era so removed from what I know it might as well have come from the 1870s, that I could see what all the fuss was about. In those 20 pages I was sold, and I wasn’t even in the market for anything. I was probably nodding visibly as I muttered silently in what I could only characterize as awe. “I get it. This is why Judy Blume is Judy Blume.”

Donna

Hi Judy, You have a very special "gift" for writing. My daughters & I started out reading your books back in the early '80's with,"Are you there God? It's me, Margaret." Wow! Such a naturl flow with words and such honesty. We just love you so-o-o much and know you're a fighter and will definitely make a full recovery with your bout with cancer. We will continue praying for you...God is great! Jesus is great! You will be healed completely. Keep great faith and keep a great sense of humor and pet a cat or talk to a dog; it's proven to make the healing quicker! Much Love & many prayers to you, Donna & family

Beth

Dear Judy,

I was stunned when I heard the news today, but even more so after reading your blog post, "Very early. Very small. Well differentiated." That was EXACTLY my diagnosis three years ago, and like you, I was spared chemotherapy. I opted for a bilateral with reconstruction. I was happy to read that you are already resuming activities post-op -- I resumed my workouts as soon as I had permission and found the more I was able to do, the better and more empowered I felt.

Most of all, the way you wrote about your experience completely resonated with me and was similar to the manner in which I dealt with things. A scary inconvenience. And extremely grateful that it wasn't worse than it could have been. Perhaps there is a book in here somewhere.

You have always been one of my favorite authors and never thought we would share something so personal. Indeed, it is the club none of us wanted to join.

If it's not an imposition, I do have a question I'd like to ask you about a reference in your blog. I have a hunch that we may share the same radiologist. THAT would truly be a small world.

Best of luck in your continued recovery and thank you for being such a wonderful narrative of my literary life. You are truly an icon. XO

Ali

Just read about your recent diagnosis. I am sorry to hear about, but so glad to hear you are taking such great care of yourself. I have two daughters who have enjoyed all the books I love so much. Sometimes I feel embarrassed when I am asked what I read growing up...I ONLY read Judy Blume books...over and over and over. I never read anything else until I was an adult. Thank you for teaching me about life. -Ali

Yvonne

What an honor it is to be able to personally write you!!! I grew up reading your books...you were like a big sister, and you seemed to know everything about growing up! It's been neat to watch things come full circle, to see my daughter now enjoying your same books that I enjoyed growing up! I am so sorry to hear about your cancer. I hope you are feeling well and recovering, and I hope your book is going well. It's wonderful to hear you have had a good support system...it's so important. Thank you for all you have given us, your readers--you've been like a dear friend.

Nadine

Dear Judy,

I just read your blog post and admire you even more for coming forward with a story that I know is really hard to tell. I just finished the worst year of my life after a breast cancer diagnosis. DCIS, with a one inch tumor, and as it turns out, a 2.5mm micro tumor in a node. I did the double mastectomy route with immediate reconstruction, which for me meant tissue expanders that would require a second surgery. Fours rounds of chemo and 28 radiation treatments later, I'm happy to say that the nightmare is behind me. It was the longest year of my life.

I am so glad that you didn't have to do the treatments. I never felt like I had a choice and now I get to wonder what special surprises are in store for me from the very stuff designed to "cure" me.

"Margaret" is still one of my favourite books and every time I went for a fill in the expanders, I'd say those magic words... "we must, we must, we must..." lol

I'm guessing my plastic surgeon has heard that line a bazillion times before. =)

Francesca

Dear Judy,I went through breast cancer, chemo and radiation this year too. I can't tell you what a surprise it was for me. I beleived since my sister had it and died from it fifteen years ago, I would be the one to be spared. Ha Ha. Life had different plans for me.Well its been a months since my last radiation treatment and almost three months since my last chemo, and my hair is finally growing back (and even on my legs unfortionately) and while I know I'm not out of the woods yets, and I'm still recovering, I know that it has not beat me and I praying for you. We are now members of a very exclusive club and are sisters in arms.All the best to you.

Theresa

I wanted to let you know I did the exercises from "Are you there God, It's me Margaret" for 4 years praying breats to grow. "We must, we must, we must increase our busts." Weird now that we have them we have to deal with breat cancer. I wish you well in your recovery and I love you for bringing your great stories alive for the young people-and us not so young anymore. You are in my prayers.

Lisa Quatrini Simkins

I have read all of your books and I just adore you! I will send loving blessing for you to recover quickly and easily. I am sorry for any suffering you must endure! I will pray fervently for you!Love Lisa

Lorena

I read so many of your books and loved each and every one when I was growing up. My favorite was 'Are you there God? It's me Margaret.' It was so awesome to read a book that I could relate to at such a young age. You totally understand the young mind. Thank you for being you!!

mary

Wow! You have been my hero since 1977 when I was in college taking a kiddy lit. course and I discovered your books. It was a summer class and I golfed in the morning ( the only 4.0 I got)and then went to my class which was laying on my couch and reading your books. I retired from teaching 2nd grade 5 yrs. ago. In all of my 29 yrs. of teaching, I recommended your books to my children, my students and my co-workers every year, all the time. The kid books and the adult ones. I've read them all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!Your books have really made my life a better place.Mary West

Regina D.

Blubber and Are You There God Its Me Margaret were the books that helped me transition into a young lady who saw the world differently. You are in my prayers and I admire you for bravery in sharing this information with the world. Godspeed to you Ms. Blume!

Sarah R.

Dear Judy,

I am so sorry to hear about your illness. I hope you feel all the love coming from your fans. I wrote you when I was in college, as I was doing a project on your books, and you responded--still my claim to fame! I know we are all sending you positive vibes and lots of love. I can't believe you are in your 70s! You look amazing and your spirit is an inspiration.

Alicia

Ms. Blume,I am a Latina mother of two young men and I am reader. I read everything that I see. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you get better. You are one of my favorite authors. I love your books and I remember before computers there was the beautiful library to visit. I loves your books, I enjoyed reading them, you talked to me. You told me it was okay to be awkward and strange in society. When I cried about how much I hated being this confused young girl, I remember that books let me know it was okay. Your books inspired me to remember that being a young girl is a transition. As a woman today, your books are still great to see in libraries. I love books and am glad to have read your books. Take care, you are in many little girls minds that grew up to be better people because of you. Thank you for caring. You are a great writer and a continued inspiration..Best to you and your family. Chicago little girls and everywhere, will continue to be in great hands with you!!!!

Coral aka Ladybug

I just wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful books you have blessed us with. I think my very favorite had to be "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret." At the time I read it, it was just what I needed and when I needed it. I've read it a few times since.I wanted to let you know, you're in my prayers. I pray that you will beat the cancer! Many blessings to a great woman who has blessed many. Coral

Gayle

I've just learned of your cancer. I felt so relieved when I realized that you're already on the road to recovery.I love your books and made sure my three girls read them. Now it's my granddaughter's turn.I wish you a total recovery and continued strength.

Mel the librarian

I have just read your blog post and am sorry you've had such a rough summer. My mother had the exact same diagnosis (ductile cancer)and had the mastectomy. No chemo or radiation. She has been cancer free for 12 years now. The oncologist told her that if you have to get breast cancer, this is the kind to get. My fingers are crossed that you have as positive an outcome.

Phoenix

Phoenix

Hey I have always been a reader of yours since a kid. Loved the letter u wrote back to me once. Wished I would of kept it and framed it. Things happen 4 a reason. So I guess I just appreciate u writing back. Thank you. In my adult years I tried to read Wifey and the other back found on the reverse side, but by then I was a confused, emotional damaged women. Was sorry to hear u had a divorce, if that was a case. Couldn't remember if it was fiction or not. But as I see u have4 a victory coming w/breast cancer. Mom is also facing that. Hope u all pull thru, more than anything. Thanks for keeping me bz over the summers and don't give up on writing. U are marvelous. Happy holidays this year and pleasant happy thought. God bless.

Char

Hi Judy!

I just read about your summer and wanted to extend my blessings to you. You're an American icon and I'm so proud to say that I grew up on your books and still read them to this day (as does my daughter). Thank you so much for your many years of exceptional stories.

By going public, you're doing an amazing thing. Not only are you teaching others to be tested, you're also teaching them that they're not alone. Cancer can happen to anyone, young or old, rich or poor, famous or not. I'm a cancer survivor myself, not breast cancer, Stage 4 Hodgkin's Disease, (diagnosed in 1985) but we're all in this together, and a survivor is a survivor. As scary as it is, an amazing support system of friends, family, and other survivors, can make a huge difference in a patient's treatment/recovery. Our club of survivors is growing bigger every day, thanks to early detection and amazing doctors, and I'm so happy to read that you're working toward a complete recovery.

Many blessings to you and your family, and for more wonderful books!!

Best wishes,Char Mercer

P.S. Your fans and well-wishers definitely understand that you don't have the time to respond to us all. We're here to offer our support and to remind you that you are respected and loved. Read our messages, smile, maybe wipe away a tear, then get back to writing because that's how you show us that you respect and love us back. :o)

Lanie (rhymes with Janie)

You're added to my prayer list, Judy. At age 65 March 2011 I was diagnosed withDCIS. After my first ever surgery I'd twenty radiation sessions slightly stronger than younger women would get for 33 sessions. On my last day I started five years of daily Anastrozole. No chemo was indicated due to three negative lymph nodes removed at surgery. It's fine that I won't hear from you. I just wanted to share my encouraging story---something from an older cancer survivor. It's funny that the first side-effect of Anastrozle listed is "anxiety". I maintain anxiety is due to the diagnosis! Keep in mind positive things like the World War II British slogan, "Keep calm and carry on" and the parody to the tune "SSho't'nin' Bread: "I'm so glad that every little cell in my body is happy and well." Another affirmation: "I'm healthy and strong."

Nadine

On July 17, I had a double mastectomy...two months to the day I had my annual mammogram, which for the first time showed abnormalitIES. The biopsy, after the ultrasound and MRI, confirmed "infiltrating lobular cancer"---something that not one of the several doctors I saw during the time leading up to the surgery ever was able to feel. Because of the invasive type of cancer, I decided to have them both removed and that way not only would I not have to worry about the other breast, but this way the reconstruction was started immediately and they will both be the same size...and perky!My plastic surgeon says I will never have to wear a bra again!!!! Although I had always wanted breast reduction surgery, this wasn't the way I planned on having it done. By the way, I retired in early April as a Children's Librarian and was diagnosed six weeks later, after anticipating my first summer off in years. But I did announce it on my Facebook page about a week after receiving the diagnosis explaining that I was now part of the statistic of 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer, and was overwhelmed by the support I received. I start the first of 4 sessions of chemo on Sept 17...I remind people that Cancer is a word, not a sentence....and the breast is yet to come!!!! And now thanks to you, I find that I am a part of the Sisterhood ;-) Wishing you only the best, Nadine

Jacqueline

Dear Judy,My thoughts are with you as you continue on your journey. You are obviously a very strong woman who can stand up to challenge.I am hopeful of putting a smile on your face. My son just entered 4th grade and so this past summer we enjoyed reading one of my fondest childhood books, Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing. My son has a passion for nonfiction and historically no interest in fiction. That all changed when my son, Jason, was introduced to Fudge. We just finished Superfudge and I am so grateful to you for this newfound love of fiction in Jason. Before Jason had a chance to close the book once finishing chapter twelve of Superfudge, he was placing his order with me for the next "Fudge" book. I want my son to read what he enjoys. That said, due to your writing talents, Jason has had a whole new world of reading enjoyment opened up to him, with the added bonus of binding with mom over Peter and Fudge. Not surprisingly, his teacher read Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing with his class and Jason and I will be making fudge with a side of tootsie rolls for class this Friday. We will throw in a little Superfudge trivia to explain the tootsies.Your career has been such a gift to generations of children.All the best to you.Warmly,Jacqueline

MAX

DEAR JUDY BLUME. MY NAME IS MAX. I LIVE IN TEXAS,I NEVER MET YOU. I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR FUDGE BOOKS, MY GRAMMA does TOO. we found out you had cancer on the news. we hope your o.k.. we will keep you in our prayers.